"During his years of service at UK, David Watt has proven himself to be an administrator of extraordinary capability. A highly successful teacher and researcher, David is respected across the university by faculty and staff. His many talents make him a perfect fit for this new position, and I very much look forward to working with him"

-- Michael Nietzel, UK Provost

May 16, 2003 (Lexington, Ky.) -- David Watt, a University of Kentucky administrator known for his strong support of a variety of educational and research endeavors, has been appointed UK’s associate provost for academic affairs. He reports to UK Provost Michael Nietzel.

Watt, 58, will be responsible for providing advice, support and assistance to the provost in carrying out administrative leadership for the university’s educational and research programs. On behalf of the Provost, he will provide coordination, oversight and direction in faculty affairs, academic resources, and academic facilities; he also will serve as a liaison for the provost to the deans, who will continue to report to the provost.

"During his years of service at UK, David Watt has proven himself to be an administrator of extraordinary capability. A highly successful teacher and researcher, David is respected across the university by faculty and staff. His many talents make him a perfect fit for this new position, and I very much look forward to working with him," Nietzel said.

He most recently served as executive dean in the UK College of Medicine, a post he held from 2000 to 2003. Prior to that, he was associate dean for research and basic sciences in the UK College of Medicine from 1998 to 2000, and UK’s vice chancellor for academic affairs and research from 1996 to 1998.

He came to UK in 1985 as a professor of pharmacy and chemistry. In 1991, he received the UK Great Teacher Award, whose recipients are nominated by students.

Watt also is a founder of WTT Inc., now operating as Elisa Technologies Inc., a Lexington biotechnology firm with annual sales of approximately $50 million.
Prior to coming to UK, Watt was an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Wyoming from 1980 to 1985, a senior research scientist for Pfizer Inc. from 1979 to 1980, and an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Colorado from 1973 to 1979.